2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: First Round Players to Watch

The quest for the Stanley Cup begins Saturday as 16 teams enter the playoffs, all vying for the most coveted trophy in hockey.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff teams are set, and the NHL postseason promises high drama. Expect thrilling hockey as top talent competes over the next few weeks. Here’s a player to watch from each playoff team in the first round.

Nikita Kucherov | RW | Tampa Bay Lightning

Kucherov is an elite offensive force, proven by his regular season dominance. He`s set to win his second consecutive Art Ross Trophy as the league`s leading scorer, his third in seven years. With 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists) in 77 games, his stats speak volumes, but don`t fully capture his open-ice danger. Kucherov`s combination of a powerful shot and exceptional vision makes him crucial for the Lightning`s Stanley Cup aspirations.

Auston Matthews | C | Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews is a premier goal-scorer, recently hitting 400 career goals in just nine seasons. Despite a slightly lower 32 goals this regular season (partly due to injury), Matthews remains a scoring threat from anywhere. The Maple Leafs aim to break their first-round exit streak (six of the last seven years) and their Stanley Cup drought since 1967. Matthews` leadership is key to Toronto`s playoff success.

Brad Marchand | RW | Florida Panthers

The Panthers are aiming for back-to-back Stanley Cups, a tough challenge. Matthew Tkachuk`s injury in February led to the acquisition of veteran Brad Marchand. Marchand’s role becomes even more vital if Tkachuk misses playoff time. Beyond offense, Marchand brings physicality and agitation, elements the Panthers might miss without Tkachuk. Marchand’s playoff experience is a significant asset for Florida.

Alex Ovechkin | LW | Washington Capitals

Ovechkin’s season has been historic. He became the NHL`s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky with his 895th goal. Even at 39, Ovechkin remains a potent offensive player with a lethal one-timer. He can lead Washington on a deep playoff run. The Capitals had a strong regular season and Ovechkin`s playoff magic will be crucial.

Sebastian Aho | C | Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have a strong forward group, but trading Mikko Rantanen was a setback. Their top forwards, led by Sebastian Aho, must step up. Aho’s excellent shot and playmaking ability (team-leading 45 assists) are vital. If Aho dominates offensively, the Hurricanes can contend in the Eastern Conference.

Jacob Markstrom | G | New Jersey Devils

The Devils faced a major setback with Jack Hughes` season-ending injury. Hughes` offensive talent is a huge loss for the playoffs. For the Devils to succeed, goalie Jacob Markstrom must excel. Markstrom, acquired to be their franchise goalie, had a solid regular season (2.50 GAA, .900 SV%), but may need exceptional performances to carry New Jersey in the playoffs.

Brady Tkachuk | LW | Ottawa Senators

Even if Matthew Tkachuk is out, Brady Tkachuk will be in the playoffs. Despite a late-season upper-body injury, Brady played in Ottawa`s finale. Like his brother, he combines agitation with scoring ability, showcased at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk excels in gritty areas and leads a strong top-six forward group, eager for his first playoff experience.

Lane Hutson | D | Montreal Canadiens

Before the season, rookie of the year talk focused on Celebrini and Michkov. Instead, Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has impressed as a playmaker on Montreal`s blue line. He tied for second among NHL defensemen with 60 assists. Hutson is a dynamic puck-mover with speed and vision, and also strong defensively (123 blocked shots, low penalty minutes). He’s key to the Canadiens` playoff potential against the Capitals.

Connor Hellebuyck | G | Winnipeg Jets

While not the most surprising pick, Hellebuyck is crucial for the Jets` Stanley Cup hopes. He seeks redemption after a poor 2024 playoff showing against the Avalanche (7.10 goals above average allowed, .865 SV%). Hellebuyck rebounded with a stellar regular season. His playoff performance will determine how far the Jets go.

Jack Eichel | C | Vegas Golden Knights

Eichel`s impact on the Golden Knights is immense. He played at a superstar level, making Vegas a Cup favorite. He led Vegas to a Cup in 2023 and arguably played even better in 2024-25, setting career highs in assists (66) and points (94). With Eichel on the ice, Vegas dominates possession and goal differential. His continued dominance could bring Vegas another Cup.

Thomas Harley | D | Dallas Stars

The Stars` forwards are praised, but defense is key. Since Miro Heiskanen`s injury, Dallas` defense has struggled. While Heiskanen might return, young Thomas Harley must step up. Harley had career highs offensively and was a strong five-on-five defender. His ability to be a top defenseman in the playoffs is crucial for Dallas.

Cale Makar | D | Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have many stars, but Makar could be the most impactful in the playoffs. He had an outstanding regular season, scoring 30 goals as a defenseman for the first time since 2009 and nearing 100 points. Makar drives play from the blue line and is an electrifying player.

Darcy Kuemper | G | Los Angeles Kings

The Kuemper-Dubois trade seemed risky, but both teams benefited. Kuemper provided excellent goaltending for Los Angeles, ranking third in goals saved above average. To overcome their playoff rivals, the Kings need Kuemper to make crucial saves.

Leon Draisaitl | C | Edmonton Oilers

While McDavid leads Edmonton, Draisaitl is a vital co-star and Hart Trophy contender. Draisaitl won the Rocket Richard Trophy with 52 goals, and his offense is crucial as depth scoring faltered. Draisaitl elevates his game in the playoffs, with 41 goals in 74 games. Edmonton needs his continued scoring to reach the Final again.

Kirill Kaprizov | LW | Minnesota Wild

The Wild face a tough matchup against Vegas, especially offensively. Kaprizov is Minnesota`s best offensive weapon and can change games. Despite injury-limited regular season, he’s capable of big performances. In 2023-24, he had 46 goals and 96 points. For the Wild to upset Vegas, Kaprizov must score against a strong Vegas defense.

Jake Neighbours | LW | St. Louis Blues

With Dylan Holloway injured, young Jake Neighbours needs to step up for the Blues. Neighbours had a career-high 22 goals and 46 points. St. Louis needs offense against Hellebuyck, and Neighbours will have a bigger role. His contribution alongside Thomas and Kyrou could provide crucial goals in a likely low-scoring series.